Landing: The Best Marine GPS Amidst The Action

Maptattoo is my retirement gift to myself. I have a 115 hp fishing boat , a Seapearl 21, plus a Tremolino trimaran. Hope to become more familiar with it this upcoming boating season. My chances of getting lost are less.

This is an exceptional piece of gear, it fits my needs better than any other navigator I have used. I recently had the opportunity to use it on my kayak sailboat navigating and camping in the Ten Thousand Islands out of Naples, FL.

The good:

It is crystal clear in low light and direct sun. The images are crisp, with fine detail. The maps are beautiful and surprisingly detailed, and the screen size makes all this detail actually useful. The search function works amazingly well, there was nothing I asked for that the device could not locate.

Navigating was a pure pleasure. I mostly used point-to-waypoint but I also had a chance to create and follow routes. For this function the device is far superior (smarter) compared to my Garmin 86sci. And the touch screen makes selecting a waypoint so much easier than the Garmin. And as far as visibility, well, the two devices just don’t compare. Other than that the Maptattoo has all the functions that I need, with the exception of a couple of nit picky items that are just personal preferences.

I love the ability to superimpose current data on the map, this is so much easier than toggling between map and data views. That said I actually would prefer to have the data displayed until I want to hide it, but the device turns the data off after a minute or so (is that to save power?). It is easy enough to call it back up, but I really like having it displayed longer on the map. Everything I need is there for tracking progress and estimating arrival, it calculates everything in a useful and intuitive way. But is there any way to show estimated arrival TOD at destination? Oh, and can it switch from 24 hour to 12 hour clock? While we are on the display, the only suggestion I have is to make the track line bolder/easier to see. It is OK, but bolder would be better for me for both the navigating line and the track. Also, while the course deviation (shown in degrees on the info display) is really helpful I would personally also like to have velocity made good as an option, but no big deal.

All in all I could not be happier. This device is an uncompromising improvement and it has added significantly to my enjoyment of small boat navigation, thanks!

I really love this product. It's maps are spot on and easy to navigate. Its battery life is so much better than other products. GPS is quick to acquire lock. I'm looking forward to using it more.

I was sailing my new to me Hunter 23.5 solo on Georgian Bay . I was using charts, Garmin phone App and a hand held Garmin GPS . Heeling 15 degrees in 10 knot winds I was not able to read the charts and compare my position to the GPS while steering and trimming the sails. I found myself and boat on top of a rock that was just 12" below the surface. I can't blame my navigation aids, only myself. Fortunately the swing keel took the abuse along with my pride. The rock was not sharp edged and the boat was easy to motor off.
My boat has no way other than a small solar panel to charge the boat battery this ruled out a chart plotter like Raymarine. Maptattoo with its built in battery and 6" screen I feel that I have found a good fit. Now I am looking for a mount that will secure it so that it won't fall over board. The many lines and shifting side to side while tacking are my concern. A flush mount and a tiller extension my resolve this concern. Returning this spring I will use the training and be familiar with Maptattoo, I can have a less stressful adventure.

Sailing the Georgian bay and the North Channel. See you out there.

As a lifelong small boat (one design) sailboat racer and kayaker I really appreciate the large screen which is clear and readable even in Florida's bright sunlight especially when wearing super dark polarized glasses. The functions are very easy to learn and use even when bouncing over heavy chop. Excellent product which has been needed for a long time.
Walt

I debated buying the MapTattoo for a while because I already use handheld chartplotters and a few phone apps, and I wasn’t sure the added benefits were worth the cost of another device. After using it, it is. The e-ink screen is easy to read in bright sun, and the basics (zooming, panning, finding what you need) are straightforward and intuitive. It keeps navigation (and the sailing) simple.

I gifted this to my dad who is a life-long sailor and had been eying this device for a few months now. He is very impressed with the battery life, the features of the tablet and the screen visibility in sunlight. Looking forward to taking it out on the water this summer. Thank you so much for providing such great customer service and for your quick responses to all of my questions! We love our MapTattoo!

Just took my new MapTattoo on a 3day sailing/camping trip in the Everglades. I’m never going back to my prior system of an IPAD with the Garmin Boating App as I can finally see everything in the bright Florida Sunshine. I wish it had auto routing but I auto routed key routes in the Garmin app, exported the file and brought them into MapTattoo easily at home. Battery life is incredible. Pleased with my purchase.

After looking at much that was on the market and not wanted to add a more complicated system with battery and mounts I found the Maptatoo after pursuing several small boat sailing magazine articles. All the reviews seemed to be outstanding. I had several questions and contacted the company. I got an immediate reply from the company owner. He answered all my questions and satisfied all my concerns. I received my Maptatoo very fast and it was packaged well.
I have not used it on the boat due to weather but have set it up in my home as well as in a vehicle. All simulations seem flawless and accurate. I am very impressed with the battery life which seems to never run out. I have used it several hours at a time which is as long or longer than any race and the battery shows no usage. I would guess that the advertised life of 50 hours is right on or not far off. I have never had a battery last this long in such a small package.
I also like the idea that It can be mounted most anywhere with various mounts either purchased on the Maptatoo site or from outside sources. The Maptatoo company has been very helpful in suggesting other effective ways of mounting that does not need to be purchased from the company.
I would gladly purchase again. If on the fence, do yourself and favor and find the unbiased articles on its' actual use.

I really like this unit. The battery life is excellent, the screen is just large enough to see clearly, even under bad light conditions you can discern the details. The zoom and screen movement functions work well. The tracking is fast enough, although on a few tight spots in shallow water the update on location has been a bit slow but manageable. While the unit seems pricy, it is actually quite competitive with the options out there as it is far superior to smaller hand held devices, and doesn't need the wiring and battery of larger units. The only suggestion I have is to simplify the GoTo function; this takes several steps and would benefit from simply touching on a map location and at that point providing a GoTo option. This is in contrast to what is current: having to create a new waypoint, save it and then touch again to GoTo. In active conditions the current method is a bit too cumbersome. It would also be great to have an option to increase just the thickness of the line showing a navigation route (without having to increase all number sizes). In all, a great navigation tool.

I finally got to try out my new Maptattoo GPS. It's incredible. The best Marine GPS I've ever had. For over a decade now I have needed a GPS that simply does exactly what yours does. So now I have it, thanks to you! It's perfect. Took this photo this morning, on the Chesapeake Bay. It's great, can't say enough about it. Much gratitude.

I have been using my MapTattoo on our 17 1/2 foot sailboat and I'm really impressed. The daylight visible screen is the shining star here, as I never have to move it around to be able to see it. There are small foibles that take some getting used to, like the screen update jerkiness, but nothing that actually interferes with using it. The battery life is another outstanding feature, although the need to charge is so infrequent that you might forget to look at charge level before departing. I also like that the software is still actively being developed with new features introduced frequently. Overall, it's an excellent small boat gps with a few quirks to get used to.

Finally got a chance to use my Maptattoo today! First day of the Wayzata Yacht Club/ Apostle Island Station 3 day Labor Day series on Lake Superior. My crew of experienced racers who have sailed on various boats doing races like the Chicago Mac, and Trans Superior where very impressed. It can do most of the same things that my friends have spent thousands of dollars on electronics to do. Plus even a tech illiterate like me can figure out how to program in way points etc.

The Maptattoo is a e-device that has lived up to my expectations of a digital chartplotter. I have tested it against the mainstream chartplotter that came with my sailboat and the Maptattoo produces identical results. It locks my GPS location quickly, picks up the heading, tracks my course, and I can read it under the brightest daytime conditions. Prior to purchase, as an e-ink device, I was concerned about its realtime display refresh. After using it I found its refresh rate remarkably fast and excellent for realtime use. Kudos to Maptattoo. I will recommend it to all my marine friends!

Boat is a Sage 17, sailing grounds are coastal NH/ME border, and nav primarily used to locate no-go limits while tacking/gybing close to shore. Previous nav was Navionics on an old tablet. After two months, super happy with the MapTattoo. Easy to read in any light and from any angle and through polarized sunglasses. Basic operations easy/intuitive to sort out. Battery life is just bonkers good. Buttons way easier to use while bouncing around on a small boat than the old tablet (or this) touch-screen. Tracking feature is very convenient/educational/entertaining.
Would like to see... 1) Option to change the scale of the boat-arrow, soundings and buoys independently, and 2) Note buoys by their color/number and not by name (e.g. "R 5" vs "Hopkinton Shoals Buoy").
Would definitely recommend this product.

Finally, a GPS unit that is readable in sunlight even while wearing sunglasses. Light weight, easy to use and no power cables to mess with. We cruise on a 30' sailboat and used it on our 4 week cruise on Georgian Bay and the North Channel of Lake Huron this summer. I like the quick acquisition of satellites, long battery life and the magnification features. The imputing of waypoints is simple and it's easy to retrieve them with a touch of the screen. It's mounted on a universal tablet holder mated to a RAM system at the helm so it's easy to reach and view.
Hoping to see updated Small Craft Routes on Georgian Bay (AquaMaps?) available for next season as this area is not supported yet. Customer support has been excellent, all questions have been answered clearly and promptly.
Overall, I am very pleased with the unit.

This is a fantastic chart plotter that I got to use while sailing on the Bras d'or lakes last month. The e-ink screen is vastly superior to any regular LED / LCD screen in the sunlight and works great in low light as well. The built-in features are great, including the route features. Battery life is fantastic, and the device appears to be very rugged. Having touch and mechanical controls was a also a really good design idea. I had to contact the company for support, and I my problem was solved quickly and efficiently. Love it!

After 5 years of sailing with Navionics on an Ipad Mini, I no LONGER think about the battery dying during the sail, or getting up close to the screen to see what lies ahead. The Maptattoo screen is VERY readible in any daylight conditions and the battery can last many days. I use it primarily for avoiding shallow water when sailing a small keel boat in a lake where the wind takes the boat is the destination. I really appreciate the FWD option to tell me based on my current heading where I'll be in 1, 2, 5 Mins to know when to prepare to tack to avoid shallow water.

I just purchased my second Map Tattoo. I use one for long-distance coastal rowing and a second for racing dinghy sailboats. The robust design, waterproofing and easy to read screen are unmatched in the market. The device is super easy to use and intuitive. I particularly like the ability to load waypoints and marine features from my PC. This makes it super easy to plot long distance (20+ mile) rowing routes and, when I am racing, marks.

I just finished up a 2200+ kilometer solo kayaking trip from Vancouver BC up through South East Alaska into Glacier Bay and finally ending up in Skagway. For the duration I had MapTattoo on my deck.

I will be completely honest, I kept it in a soft, waterproof tablet case the whole time. It's not a reflection of the waterproofed quality of the device, but more a reflection that I don't trust any device to hold up to such prolonged wetness.
In the position it was in it was regularly under breaking waves, and I just wanted extra protection.

The battery this device has is phenomenal. I didn't have it powered on the whole time, but would power it on from time to time to check my location and my speed. Sometimes I would keep it on for hours at a time just so I could see my speed.

I did have a few instances where the screen would freeze when booting up, or the whole device would suddenly freeze up. In all instances I just turned the device off and on again to resolve.

I realized at one point that when trying to charge it from a battery pack with a USB-C connection that the battery pack was actually charging from the MapTattoo. I changed cords to a Type A to C style and was able to resolve. That's not really a mark against the device, but perhaps worth bearing in mind.

I wish it was possible to forgo the touch screen completely while still being able to access the tide and current information.

The details of the chart are a little imprecise when compared to the larger scale paper charts. As a kayaker I'd love for more information about the aggregate of the intertidal.

Overall it's a really good device. Perhaps not perfect for kayakers but a heck of a lot better than the other alternatives I've tried.

Just took our MapTattoo out for its first water trials and came away very impressed.

The first outing was a kayak tour to test basic functionality. It handled waypoints beautifully—automatically switching to the next waypoint when crossing the 90-degree threshold from the previous one. Very intuitive. Biggest takeaway from that trip: I missed the feedback from the device after switching to a different kayak.

Second trial was on a DIAM 24 in wet, spray-filled conditions. The standout feature here was the VMG (Velocity Made Good) calculation. On a boat that sails wide angles, it was incredibly useful to visualize the trade-off between speed and distance—really helped with tactical decision-making.

Feature request:
When actively sailing to a waypoint, the map view becomes less helpful since it’s often not within easy view of the helmsman. It would be great be able to switch to a simplified display option showing just the essentials:
• Speed
• Heading
• Distance to Target
• VMG
• Target Heading
• Degrees to Target

Basically, just the first two rows of data in a clear, compact view taking up the whole screen.

Overall: I love this device and would absolutely buy it again. Great tool.

I finished my first Singlehanded Farrallones race this past Saturday, organized by the San Francisco Singlehanded Sailing Society. I used Maptattoo to navigate the 84 mile, 17 hour trip from port to port (Berkeley marina). It was a big help! Conditions were lighter than expected.

Just completed a 3 day trip down the Hudson River and up the East River to Long Island Sound onboard my Catalina 18 with your Maptattoo showing the way. It performed perfectly and made finding a place to drop the hook so much easier. Already planning my next adventure. Thanks for a great product that actually lives up to the hype!

I usually sail in a Mariner 19 and the Maptattoo has been perfect for me as a single-hander. There is myriad shoaling around the mouths of rivers and creeks of the Southern Chesapeake, where I sail. Even with a depth finder on the boat, these areas can come up fast. I love the forward feature on the Maptattoo that lets me know when I am headed for trouble well in advance. I also get the current direction, obstructions, markers, speed and heading, now easy to read with a recent update. The Maptattoo gives me confidence to explore farther into unknown areas in this amazing water way. I also love the info after a day of sailing where I get the distance traveled, max speed, idle time, etc.

I am a 67 year old sailor. Started sailing offshore with my parents through the Pacific into the Atlantic in the early 70s. I was brought up using a sextant, charts, Zenith radio for time. When the first GPS, the Magellan unit, came out, I bought one wholesale while working at the Caneel Bay shipyard in St. John’s USVI for $1650.00. It changed our cruising lives just like the Chronometer did to past voyagers. A GPS unit is the cheapest boat insurance there is if used properly. Today finds me winding down after 80,000 sea miles to just cruising the BC coast where we now live ashore.

I bought your unit because we now cruise about in boats 20’ and under, the 50-hour battery life is fantastic, the traditional-looking chart format feels like home to me, growing up continuously using charts, and my old school navigation background to get about. The screen can be seen in any light. Just great. Your unit is easy to use, I like the large numbers for speed because in a small vessel going 5 knts +- it’s nice to be able to use to see current changes quickly in passages up here. Being outside in the rain, being able to have your unit as my helper in navigation with no worries of battery time, wet chart or guide book, seeing real-time position and speed is the next level up of today's navigation tool.

Used my new Maptatoo for a four night circumnavigation of Cypress Island. It worked great! So helpful to always be able to see how boat speed is affected by changes in sail trim, currents, etc. I think the battery was still well above 70% after 4 days on the water. The setting that shows in how many minutes I'll be at points on my current course is my favorite feature.

I recently purchased a MapTattoo for an upcoming Alaska kayak expedition where the long battery life and easily accessible current information will be very handy. Having used both cell phone apps and Garmin devices on previous trips the MapTattoo seems like a better option.

In preparation I’ve used it several times kayaking on San Francisco Bay. It’s highly readable sitting on my sprayskirt in bright sun and even in rougher conditions it didn’t seem affected by waves washing over. I really like the “fast forward” feature to quickly understand how the current is affecting my route. The black and white screen is generally ok - though it’s hard to see shipping lane boundaries. I wish there was a way to “bump up” the visibility of those.

I haven’t had a chance to download a route yet - and I found adding waypoints on the fly a bit exasperating. They get automatically “named” and the names sometimes don’t make a lot of sense. It would be nice if you were able to call up a master list of waypoints and be able to edit the names.

I got my MAPTATTOO for paddleboarding and kayaking, but also as a backup to the navagation equip on my 45 Columbia (Second Wind). I am in progress of refitting her for cruising and retirement (1 year away) I had not had the sails up in over 3 years but we got her out on the river here in Newport OR, and my MAPTATTOO worked great. Easy to read even in bright sun (rare in oregon). I have to figure a way to put a mount on my helm but even holding it or having it on the seat next to me was perfectly operable. Even my newbie (to sailing) wife had no problem reading and operating it. Didnt run aground once, and we were sailing at lowtide with a 7.5 foot draft.

Very impressive, will take a bit for me to retrain my visual acuity with the gray screen, but 100% massive improvement and being able to visually see outdoors and bright sunlight and most impressive support and customer service from Vincent

I have not used it yet but playing with it. It seems very simple and user-friendly. I’m taking it on a four day trip on Pensacola Bay called the Pensacola 120. I picked it because of the long battery life and easy to read and easy to use. Looking forward to using it I’ll let you know how it goes.